Within this piece from the American Wind Energy Association on their predictions for 2009 is an interesting analysis on the language and dynamics of electricity supply. Very few consumers really understand the rude mechanicals of electricity supply - you flick a switch and the lights come on. Energy supply is remote. Power comes from anonymous grey boxes on the coast. Commentators write in obscure terms about "base load" and "peaking plant". Broadly we need enough of the former to keep the lights on and the latter to boil the kettle during the ads on Coronation Street. Essentially, the customer is kept at arms length from the supply of electricity, which limits innovation and stifles competition. All that is about to change. As the AWEA puts it:
The electric industry faces dramatic transformations as it wrestles with the challenges of the 21st century. The old paradigm that assumed “baseload” power plants were necessary is being replaced by a new paradigm where both demand and supply are managed in tandem, and electricity is supplied by a smart, clean mix including a high level of renewable and flexible technologies.
Essentially, consumers will get much more involved in how they choose and use their electricity. Smart meters will give them an informed choice, and other breakthrough technologies will make even greater changes to the way we manage demand.
Do you always go to the same garage to buy your petrol? No? Why would you then always use the same electricity supply company to power your new electric car, let alone your domestic appliances? Your smart meter will buy what ever is cheapest and best for the task in hand. That electricity will come from a range of suppliers offering green only (renewable), carbon neutral (renewable and nuclear) or broad mix (the above and fossils). You get to choose - not the utility with whom you are currently a captive customer.
Comments